January 11, 2013

J.T. Halstead, Ebenezer Cottage

Above picture may not be very clear, but then, it is a reprint from an old english journal, the Examiner, that in its edition of december 30th 1936 had this picture and a note about a "fairy tale cottage in Lancashire".

J.T. Halstead (1866-1940) was a mill operative in Rochdale, who in 1936 at age 70 began decorating the exterior of his house with broken pottery, shells, figurines, a plate in memory of his deceased dog and various smaller items (teapots, light bulbs etc).

British Pathé has a short video (0'47") adapted from a news item filmed in 1937, showing Halstead at work.

The decorations have not passed the test of time and belong to the realm of history, since after Halstead died in 1940, according to a short entry on Wikiwand, the property was sold and the new owners removed the decorations.